Patent · US Expired

Backdrive control system for aircraft flight control surfaces

US4991800A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
4References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 14, 1988
Grant dateFeb 12, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 14, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64C13/44
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A backdrive system is provided for aircraft flight control surfaces, including a motor for driving a control surface. A fluid pressure responsive engaging/disengaging device is operatively associated between the motor and the control surface. The device may be a clutch normally engaged in the absence of to supply pressure or a brake normally disengaged in response to supply pressure. A supply of fluid pressure is connected to the device. An accumulator is connected in-line between the fluid pressure supply and the engaging/disengaging device for storing hydraulic energy during normal operation of the system and for releasing the stored hydraulic energy for at least a given period of time in the event of loss of supply pressure to allow the control surface to backdrive to a neutral position. A check-valve is provided between the fluid pressure supply and the accumulator to prevent return of hydraulic energy from the accumulator supply of fluid pressure when the supply pressure is lost. A bleed path is provided from the engaging/disengaging device to provide a time delay until the device is reengaged to lock up the control surface and prevent surface flutter.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.